"Who the heck carries a 26+ inch barrel around in a hunting gun unless it's a single shot?"

I do. grin The rifle is a Winchester M70 in .300 Win. mag. and it suits me just fine shooting 200 gr. Speer Hot Cores and 200 gr. Nosler Partions at 2930 and 2950 FPS respectively. Is very accurate with those loads and will reach out and touch something. coolAll my 4 .300 Win. Mags have 26" barrels the Winchester mentioned and 3 Ruger #1 rifles, one "B" and two "S" versions. Frankly, I have not found the long barrel on the M70 to be much of a problem, even in some fairly thick stuff. I think the problem is a bit overblown.
Paul B.

Our forefathers did not politely protest the British.They did not vote them out of office, nor did they impeach the king,march on the capitol or ask permission for their rights. ----------------They just shot them.
MOLON LABE